All I'm thinking is why is your franchise QB still in the game against a frustrated defense who might be looking to release some of it against him? Why wouldn't you be giving your backup some some game time?

I hope Kubiak would be smarter than that.

Manning was in a safe mode, not a "conservative" mode. A 3 step drop and throw or lay down and keep the clock running if no recievers are open. It's a virtually impossible play for a "smart" QB to get injure on. That's who John Fox sees on the field, a guy who he can trust to make smart decision.